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Essence Cosmetics

Today I have another Shop My Stash post – this time with my picks for warm toned blushes for spring.

Let’s take a look, going clockwise from the top:

Milani Luminoso – a classic peachy toned blush with gold shimmer. I tend to only use this one in the warm months. Review is here.

Juice Beauty Phyto Pigments Last Looks Cream Blush 04 Flush – Because I’m so fair, I have to be careful with this cream blush, but lightly applied, really gives my skin a healthy and natural looking flush. Review is here.

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Today I’m reviewing a fairly new waterproof mascara from Essence Cosmetics, makers of some of my favourite mascaras – the Volume Hero Waterproof formulation. [info in italics taken from the European Essence website as I couldn’t find the waterproof version on the Canadian site]

The popular “volume hero” mascara for maximum lashes is getting some reinforcement: in combination with a waterproof texture, the new version creates endless lash-volume that can handle anything! The plastic volume brush absorbs a lot of bulk to reach each individual lash.

Waterproof mascara for endless volume

Plastic volume brush

Long-lasting, dramatic look

If you’ve been following me awhile, you will be familiar with my criteria for mascaras. But I’ll repeat them here:

I am very picky when it comes to my mascara because I have long, stick straight lashes, that are fairly light in colour despite being a natural brunette so I have to curl my lashes before I apply mascara or else it looks like I don’t have any eyelashes. AND my eyes are quite sensitive, and a lot of mascaras irritate my eyes. Add to that the fact that my eyes water easily, so my mascara must be smudge-proof and water-resistant (or waterproof).

So how does it measure up? The first time that I tried this mascara, I didn’t love it. But by the third use, my opinion started to change. It ticks all the boxes for me, and I would give it a 6.5 out of 7, with half a point taken off as it can get clumpy if you aren’t careful. I find that cleaning the brush end off before using does help to reduce the clumping risk.

This mascara is super black and adds volume to my lashes and holds a curl for my stick straight lashes. All in all, I like this one.

Have you tried this one?

Thanks for reading

Disclosure: I paid for this!

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As per usual, I’ve kept my empties for the month. I did not manage to finish up very many things in December, but since my goal is to use things up, any empties are progress in my quest to not let products go to waste.

Let’s take a look, and I will link to reviews and let you know if I will be repurchasing or not.

Essence I ❤ Extreme Volume Mascara (Waterproof) – I’ve purchased this so many times, this is my HG waterproof mascara. I always go back to this or the Get Big Lashes one after I test out others. Original review is here.

Lily De Mai Bliss Transformative Moisture Mist – I absolutely loved this facial mist and I’m sad that it is empty. I’m putting it on my wishlist as I have a few facial mists in my stash to use up. Original review is here. (PR sample)

Harmony + Blossom Cleansing Clay – This was a super gentle exfoliating clay cleanser. I have a bit of a cleanser stash to work through, so I won’t be purchasing this right now (even though I liked it a lot). Original review is here. (PR sample)

Essence The False Lashes Mascara – This is my fave non-waterproof mascara because it adds volume and holds a curl and I’ve purchased it several times. It even manages to hold up pretty well when my eyes water from laughing! I’ll purchase this again once I finish up another mascara in my stash. Original review is here.

Hurraw Lip Balm (Earl Grey) – I loved this lip balm. It smells like earl grey tea (bergamot). I’m a lip balm addict and just got a ton of new lip balms in my stash, so I won’t replace this just yet. I’m still using the Hurraw Moon Lip Balm at night (when I’m not using my Bite Beauty Lip Mask). Review is here.

Were you able to finish up much in December?

Thanks for reading.

Disclosure: All PR samples identified. Please see original blog post for details.

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Since the Holiday Season is rapidly approaching, I thought I’d share my highlighter collection with you all, since the Holiday’s are a great time to sparkle and shine!

I’ll be showing you my highlighter stash and linking to the original reviews.

Nyx Duo Chromatic Illuminating Powder in Lavender Steel – I’d recently re-discovered this highlighter in my stash. Because it is so cool toned it is perfect for this time of year! Review is here.

Essence Bloom Me Up Shimmer Powder in Rose It Up – This is an oldie in my collection. If I don’t start to use it more, I’m going to de-stash it. I used to use it daily but as I added more highlighters to my collection, I kind of forgot about it. Review is here.

Nyx Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator in Gleam – Another forgotten gem in my stash. This is over two years old and will be de-stashed as I don’t like to keep liquid formulations around for a long time. Review is here.

Kani Botanicals Prismatic Highlighter in Rose Quartz – this is the newest highlighter in my collection, it came in my October Petit Vour Box, very icy in tone, perfect for winter! Review is here.

ColorPop SuperShock Cheeks in Stole The Show – Another one of my favourite highlighters, so wearable! Review is here.

Soap and Glory Glow All Out Cheek Stick in Ice Shimmer – I won this in a giveaway back in December 2016, this is starting to dry out, so I will de-stash it. Review is here.

Nomad Illuminating Highlighter in Midnight Sun – I never did a full review fo this one, but it is very similar in tone to the Maison Jacynthe one. It is super small, so great for travel! First impressions here.

Maison Jacynthe Illuminator in Sparkling Sun* – This is one of my favourite highlighters, it can be worn for a subtle glow, or for a full on glow effect. I probably use this one the most! Review is here.

Mica Beauty Highlighting Powder in #3 – This one is super golden. I don’t use it often as a highlighter because it is so intense, but I do like to use it as an eye shadow! First impressions is here.

ColourPop SuperShock Cheeks in Butterfly Beach – I can use this one as either a highlighter or as a bronzer depending on how much I use / how much I blend it out. I tend to use this one more in the summer, as I’m super pale in the winter so it takes a lot of blending to make it work for me this time of year. Review is here.

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Today I’d like to share my monthly empties with you. I’ve been making great progress in using up products in my stash and only purchasing replacements as I use things up!

Skincare:

Natura Siberica Saaremaa Moisturizing Hand Cream – I’ve been using this hand cream since I was gifted it when we were in Estonia in August. I’m sad that this one is empty, it was so good! Hopefully I’ll be able to get my hands on another tube via the Mr’s Eestie family. Review is here. (Gift from family)

Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream – This small pot of cream was heaven-sent! I used this one up during our cold snap and it really helped with any dry patches. Review is here. (Petit Vour subscription paid for by me)

The Ordinary Argireline Solution – At first I wasn’t sure that this watery serum was doing anything, but I noticed a difference after around 2 to 3 months. I use it on my forehead and around my mouth. I just got a backup of this one. Review is here. (Purchased by me)

Naruko Rose & Botanic HA Aqua Cubic Hydrating Sheet Mask – I actually remembered to keep the package for my monthly empties! This facial mask is gloriously rose scented and super hydrating. There is tons of essence / serum. I think I only have one more of these masks in my stash. Review is here. (PR Sample)

Sothys Crème Jeunesse / Youth Cream – This was such a beautiful facial cream. I used it day and night all winter. Very rich and hydrating without feeling heavy or greasy. Review is here. (PR Sample)

Farmacy Beauty Clear Bloom Cleansing Oil – This was probably the first cleansing oil that I had ever used. It works so well to effectively yet gently remove makeup and deep clean the skin without drying it out. I’m currently using the Farmacy Green Clean Balm, so I don’t need to replace this one just yet. Review is here. (Purchased by me)

The Ordinary HA 2% Serum – This might be the second or third bottle that I’ve used up. Since a lot fo the products that I use have HA in them, I don’t feel that I need to replace this for the hopefully upcoming warmer weather, but will probably return to this serum in the colder months. Review is here. (Purchased by me)

Makeup & Essential Oils

Now Essential Oils Peaceful Sleep / Peaceful Night Blend – This one is used nightly at our house. It is a lovely blend of orange, tangerine, lavender, chammomile, ylang ylang and sandalwood. I’ve already re-purchased the 30ml bottle. (Purchased by me).

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream – This was great because it has a high SPF, but I want something with lighter coverage. Plus I’ve had it since 2015, so it was time to get rid of it. Review is here (Purchased by me).

Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Nude Cream – I never wear this pink toned nude lipstick, and the scent is starting to go off, so it is time to declutter this one from my stash. Review is here. (Purchased by me).

So there you have it, I think that I made great progress in working my way through my stash this month! How about you, have you finished up much this month?

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!

Disclosure – all products have been identified as being either gifted (from family), PR, or purchased by me.

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Today I’m sharing my February empties and whether or not I would re-purchase. I managed to finish up a few more products in my stash, and there are a few more *so close* to being empty.

Skincare Empties:

Juice Beauty Green Apple Brightening Gel Cleanser – I got this in one of my Petit Vour subscription boxes, review is here. I really loved this cleanser, and I’d like to purchase this one when I finish up my Pacifica cleanser.

Essence I ❤ Extreme Volume Waterproof Mascara and The False Lashes Mascara – I absolutely love both of these mascaras, reviews are here and here. I’ve repurchased both already.

Bath & Body Empties:

Plant Apothecary Get Happy Bodywash – Another Petit Vour item. I’m sad that I finished this shower gel already, it smelled so good! Review is here. I have a few more shower gels to use up before purchasing anything new.

Schmidt’s Charcoal & Magnesium Natural Deodorant – This is one of the best natural deodorants that I’ve used. Review is here. I’ve already repurchased this one.

Aromatherapy Empties:

Saje Natural Wellness Liquid Sunshine, Now Essential Oils Peppermint and Eucalyptus – since getting our new diffusers, we’ve been using them non-stop. The peppermint and eucalyptus were majorly used when the Mr. and I had the dreaded winter plague (thankfully just a crappy cold and not the flu). We are slowly building up a collection of essential oils.

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Today I have a review of the Essence Instant Volume Boost Mascara that I’ve been testing out. Here’s what it says on the tube:

Power volume – smudge proof & intense black

Mascara for an extreme volume boost effect. Innovative fiber brush for an instant volume result within seconds. Opthamalogically approved.

My lashes are long and stick straight, so I have to curl my lashes before I apply mascara or else it looks like I don’t have any lashes. As well, my eyes are sensitive so many mascaras irritate my eyes. My eyes water easily, so smudge-proof mascara is a MUST.

I have seven requirements for a mascara:

1. waterproof

2. smudge-proof

3. non-flaking / non-clumping

4. must be DARK black (not blackish, not brown black, and definitely not grey black)

5. volumizing

6. must hold a curl

7. non-irritating to my sensitive eyes

How does the Instant Volume Boost Mascara measure up for me?

It is not waterproof, but is definitely smudge-proof. I haven’t had any problem with flaking, but if you don’t wipe the excess mascara off the brush before applying, it can get clumpy. I always remove the excess, so clumping is not a problem for me.

The mascara is super intense black, which is awesome, and I find it to be fairly volumizing and holds a curl. And, most importantly, it does not irritate my sensitive eyes.

I would rate this mascara as being on par with the False Lashes Mascara from Essence (reviewed here), which I gave a 6.75 out of 7.

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Today I’d like to share some of my current favourites for the fall season. Since I’ve already shared my lipstick picks last week, I won’t be including any in today’s faves post.

Let’s take a closer look – skin / body care:

As I’ve said before I am a lip balm addict and the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask is a must have for year round use, but especially during the colder months! I use this every night before going to bed. The original review is here. (Cruelty free)

The Neal’s Yard Remedies Bee Lovely All Over Balm* is a new favourite. It just smells so amazing! I tend to use this wherever my body needs the most hydration. This will be well used as the weather gets increasingly colder. The review is here. (PR sample, cruelty free)

The Natura Siberica Saaremaa Moisturizing Hand Cream was given to me from A’s family when we were visiting Estonia in August. As you can see, it is already well used. I’m hoping that it lasts throughout the winter because it is not greasy, super moisturizing and mildly scented. The review is here. (Cruelty free)

Makeup:

Can you believe that I have not one, but two non-waterproof mascaras in my faves? This has never happened before! Both the Volume Stylist 18H and The False Lashes Mascaras from Essence are able to withstand my watering eyes without running or smudging. And they give my lashes volume and can hold a curl in my long, stick-straight lashes! Reviews are here and here. (Cruelty free)

The Hey Honey Active Propolis Cream Concealer was a surprise for me. It came in my last Ipsy GlamBag. When I first swatched it on my arm, I figured that I would hate it. It works well to conceal dark circles and hydrate the under eye without creasing on me! I’ve been using this interchangeably with my usual Becca Brightening Under Eye Corrector. And I have just recently tried the two together with good results so far! Review is here. (Cruelty free)

Other:

These earrings are a replacement for a similar, well loved, pair that I’d recently lost. I had worn the original pair almost daily for several years (8 to 10 years) and was heartbroken at their loss. I found these silver wire earrings from Splurge on etsy, and I could not be happier. I love their simplicity. I also love that they were hand crafted in Canada!

What are your favourites for fall? (Or spring if you are on the other side of the world)